Week of May 8, 2005

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Dear Parishioner,

Where did the time go? This is a common question for us all, but especially for our 24 JustFaith participants who are about to complete their 30-week course on Catholic Social Teaching. Over the past months those participating have read 14 books and shared our reflections upon them, heard many guest speakers, interacted with those who have been victimized by prejudice and injustice, and most importantly prayed together. This course requires a very significant investment in terms of time, reflection, energy and prayer. But the 30 weeks did indeed fly by and the return on our investment was remarkable. Here are just a few reflections from some of your fellow parishioners who embarked on the JustFaith journey:

- JustFaith has not only opened my eyes to social problems but also deepened my faith and conviction that as a follower of Christ, I must be involved in my parish, my community, my world.

- Truly a journey of faith and hope – a time for the Spirit to challenge us as a culture.

- This course has been a source of conversion to the Gospel and to new and deeper ways of justice.

- JustFaith has been a powerful eye-opener for both the seasoned activist and the neophyte.

- Field experiences and guest speakers were beneficial making JustFaith very personal, practical and proximal.

- I saw the presence of Christ working in and through each of us. A genuine community of faith, hope, love and respect has been formed here.

- JustFaith greatly deepened my understanding of what it means to love God and my neighbor as myself.

For those of you unable to participate this past year we have good news! We will be offering this course once again in 2005-06, beginning Sunday evening, September 18, 2005. More details will come in the weeks ahead. In the meantime please pray for our Church that we might be faithful disciples in bringing peace and justice to our communities and to our world.

Alice Hinkel

EASTER COLLECTION – A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to our Easter collection of $32,062.00.

WE NEED YOUR HELP - We are looking for a volunteer to help on Monday evenings in the parish office from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Some computer knowledge would be helpful.  For more information, please call Carole Lester in the office (440-946-0887) 

2005 CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANNUAL APPEAL is now underway.  Everyone should have received their letter and envelope. We ask that you return your envelope (even if you are unable to contribute just mark a "0") in the collection or to the office by May 15th.

HEALING MINISTRY - Jesus desires each of us to be well in body, mind and spirit. Come . . . be touched by His love this Wednesday at the 6:45 p.m. evening liturgy. Experience God's healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass. Be comforted and refreshed by Jesus in the Eucharist. Prayer teams will be available to pray with you for your special needs.

GOD IS NOT A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRATE – Join us as we study Jim Wallis' book, God's Politics : Why the Right Gets It Wrong and Why the Left Doesn't Get It , on Monday nights in June at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., beginning June 6 th , in the Nativity Room. God's politics offers a clarion call to make both our religious communities and our government more accountable to key values of the prophetic religious tradition – that is, make them pro-justice, pro-peace, pro-environment, pro-equality, pro-consistent ethic of life, and pro-family. Don't miss this opportunity to read and to discuss why Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said “Jim Wallis is compelling, provocative, and inspirational, with the kind of faith that can move mountains and can certainly move people and communities.” Please call Rose Fini of our Social Concerns Commission if you plan to attend at 440-376-7295 or e-mail her at rosalina725@hotmail.com . Please purchase or borrow the book and read the first six chapters for the first meeting.

PETITION ON GENOCIDE IN DARFUR - The Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga Counties has provided us with petitions addressing the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.  You may sign one of these petitions either on the Social Concerns section of the kiosk or on the table in the Narthex. The petitions urge our nation and the international community to take strong and decisive action to stop the violence, provide sufficient humanitarian aid for those in camps, hold the perpetrators accountable, and establish conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of survivors to their homes in order to bring an end to the genocide taking place in Darfur, Sudan. 

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S “ELIZABETH'S ROSES” - will be available in the narthex following all Masses on the weekend of May 14 th & 15 th . Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, click on “Caring Ministries.”

WANTED CRAFT PEOPLE – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is looking for a few good craft people! Do you have a knack for woodworking, painting, drawing, sculpting or sewing? If interested please contact Marianne Slattery at 440-946-1128 X 21.

PSR:  On Monday, May 9th , all families should come to the Large Hall at 6:30pm for part two of the mini-retreat. Students will participate with their families .

On Wednesday, May 18th , all parents of the parish are invited to attend a meeting to learn about the direction that faith formation will take next year. The meeting will begin at 7:30pm in the Small Hall. Father George and Marianne Slattery will be on hand to share the rationale of GIFT and answer questions.

WOMEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST – Please join us at our springtime celebration breakfast on Saturday, May 14 th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the small hall. Our guest speaker is St. Noel's parishioner, Jane Richmond, who will be speaking on “Living in the Now.” As always, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and share a time of conversation and prayer together. The suggested donation is $3.50. Please sign up on the kiosk if you plan to attend. If you have any questions please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ROSARY – Join us Tuesday, May 17th, from 7-7:45 p.m. in the chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP –Activities for the month of May are as follows: May 12 th - games of choice – May 19th - 12:00 p.m. meeting and social then at 12:30 p.m. we will have our luncheon consisting of a sub sandwich on a soft Kaiser roll, potato salad, and mixed berry pie. The cost of the luncheon is $5.00 per person. May 26th - we will be celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursday.

PRIME TIME – No meeting tonight – hug your mom!!

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – Our final meeting is Tuesday, May 17 th at 7:00pm . Bring your bibles.

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of tables/chairs, baby cribs, mattress and box springs (any size), dressers as well as any furniture in good condition. We do not pick up clothes, knick knacks or items needing repair. Please call Anthony if you can help.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS-- Get ready for a Prayer Safari! Join us for a fun-packed week daily from 9:00 a.m-12:30 p.m. (please note extended time) July 18-22. We will transform St. Noel Church into a safari adventure as we explore the Lord's Prayer. You can help St. Noel kids grow in their faith and learn about this traditional prayer. For two weekends (May 14/15 and May 21/22) we invite teachers and staff volunteers to sign up in the Narthex after mass either weekend. Volunteers may register their own children on these two weekends.

WHITEWATER RAFTING – The dates are set!! The trip will be June 29-July1st. We'll travel on the 29 th and camp on the grounds of North American River Runners. We'll raft all day on June 30 th and head home July 1 st . Total cost is only $100/person which includes all fees and all meals. The trip is open to all parishioners!! Minimum age is 12. Sign up on the kiosk. Call Anthony with questions.

CAMP YAC – Our junior high summer camp is scheduled for the week of June 20-24. The camp is open to current 6-8 grade students and is a great time. Registration forms will available in May.

CAMP COUNSELORS -   Camp YAC is in need of high school counselors! Earn service hours, have a great time, make a difference the week of June 20-24. Counselors must have completed 9 th grade and be available for training. Call Anthony (946-1128) if interested.

STOCK OPTIONS - The market can be a rough ride!! Why not purchase stock in a lasting, worthwhile commodity - OUR YOUTH!! On the weekends of June 11-12 and June 18-19, stop at the table in the narthex and invest in the youth of our parish who are traveling to Chicago this summer to perform community service and learn about their faith. Stockholders will receive a stock certificate and an invitation to our service report once we return. Sure it's a fundraiser, but this stock will pay big dividends! Shares sell for $10. Thanks for your support!

HAM SALES – our annual Easter hams raised over $900 for our high school youth group. Thanks to all who supported the event – we appreciate your help!!

CATHOLIC UPDATE – entitled “Communion of Saints: Key to the Eucharist,” by William H. Shannon, is now available in the kiosk.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY of Mentor hosts a monthly grief support group. The next session is on Monday, May 16 th at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in coming please call Rita DeMarchi at 440-942-0336.

JENNNGS CENTER for older adults is celebrating Older American's Month with an open house on Saturday, May 14 th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to showcase its Catholic continuum of care for older adults—including assisted living and adult day services. The Jennings Campus is located at 10204 Granger Road in Garfield Heights. For more information please call 216-581-2900 or visit: www.jenningscenter.org.

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